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Sunday, 24 March 2013

You had me at Elisalex...

The moment I came across Elisalex, I knew she was for me. Being named "Elise", means that as a kid I could never find my name on mugs, buttons, keyrings...you name it. (I'm guessing Elisalex may have had the same issue.) Needless to say, now grown-up, a sewing pattern that sounds like my name is a victory of sorts! And what better way to celebrate than with the colour of my favourite condiment...

Don't look too closely or you'll notice a few sewing flaws (yep, that's you arm scythe seam). That's because it didn't take me long to renege on my New Year's resolution of not sewing at the last minute, and I got a little sloppy. In a bid to wear Elisalex to a party last week-end, I found myself hunched over the pattern, nursing a hangover, and sewing well into my fourth hour of Six Nation's rugby (a marriage concession). My hubby blissfully unaware, in a few short hours we were meeting 30 friends at our local pub for his surprise birthday party, and here's me stitching like mad.

We made it on time, Elisalex didn't.

In hindsight, I'm happy I had this week-end to spend hiding from the snow and leisurely putting on the finishing touches. The duchess satin maybe wasn't the best choice of fabric (check out that little bit of puckering), but the colour seduced me.

The only thing I changed was to take in the sleeves using the tutorial I posted earlier (a personal preference and nothing to do with the pattern, which came together beautifully), and to take off some length, which I do with every commerical pattern, being a mere 5'4". I maybe could have adjusted the bodice slightly to fit my frame but hey life's busy, and I don't mind the bit of shoulder.

I love what the girls at By Hand London are doing, from the edgy designs to the tongue n cheek descriptions, to the elegant packaging. Can't wait to see what's next. (Hopefully Elisalex 2,3,4,5,6...)

Thank you! Love the colour too I might have Togo back for more! It looks a little greener on the photos, in real life more golden mustard. We're having some bad weather here and it's very dark...would love to have photographed it in better light!

This is absolutely beautiful!! The colour and fabric are the perfect choice, it looks so elegant on you and I love how you've worn it with leopard tights!! You're right - I was also pretty gutted as a child to never find anything with my name on it, but I quickly came to feel very proud of having such a unique name! I feel even prouder now, reading all these incredible reviews, and seeing all the beautiful and talented girls like you really do the pattern justice. And very glad I could provide you with something better than a keyring with your name on it ;)

So happy you approve and about a thousand times better than a key ring! You should be proud. Sorry I couldn't take some brighter photos, it was a struggle between me and the grey weather were having. So with you on the name thing...my grandmother and namesake was an incredible seamstress which makes it all the more appreciated now! Thanks for the comment:)

Ooh pretty. I love that colour! I have to admit that I've been slightly scared of the skirt of the elisalex as it's so big, and is excentuating the part of my body I don't want to look any bigger, but I really like this version. Maybe it's not so scary afterall!

F*CK, this is SO beautiful. I totally disagree with you about the satin - it seems like a great choice! Really holds its shape! And I love seeing this dress with a bit of glam and sparkle. And don't even get me started on that colour. Gorgey gorge gorgeous.

Thanks Heather Lou! May have to follow your lead with a polka dot version next! :) loving the mmm mmmm mustard this season too... (Last season?) I can't tell if my fabric place is on trend or if I am behind...!

I know what I hate (generally satin) but I don't hate this - I LOVE IT! Just gorgeous Hon - and I love the sleeves version best and you done a treat. I think setting in satin sleeves would be a nightmare! Nice work.

This dress is absolutely fab! I love the color on you and the fabric, while difficult to sew, is perfect for this style. I love it! Great job! And thank you for the link to By Hand London -- looks like a great resource for fun patterns and info!

Hey Elise, I just wanted to say that I've given you a Liebster Award as I love your blog and your ability to make your own patterns! I'm hoping you don't have it already! I written some questions on my blog if you fancy answering them, and then passing the award onto 10 other bloggers. Can't wait to see what you answer :)

Wow! You are the first person to do this dress justice, in my opinion! When I first saw the pattern I immediately thought 1950-60s Balenciaga in a thick satin gazaar or wool ottoman. Those dresses used to be mounted with organdy and could almost stand by themselves. Great job and the vintage construction lovers should be on their feet.

I made this design in the 60's for my jr. prom , but it had spaghetti straps. I designed mine and made it from lavender peau de suae and my youngest granddaughter is named laura elise. I like it and I like your website-you are very talented.

Thank you for the lovely comment Barb! Do you still have the dress? Wonderful that you designed and made it,I'm sure it was beautiful! Hopefully Laura Elise has picked up her grandmother's sewing skills too :)

Ahh this is lovely! I know this comment seems tardy, however I have admired your version from afar for some time now :) do you mind me asking, did you underline the skirt to give it such fantastic body?